Product Information

Publisher's Description

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One of the top 50 books that have shaped evangelicals ( Christianity Today, 2006)

Platinum Book Award, Evangelical Christian Publishing Association

For over 40 years, J. I. Packer's classic has been an important tool to help Christians around the world discover the wonder, the glory and the joy of knowing God. In 2006, Christianity Today voted this title one of the top 50 books that have shaped evangelicals. This edition is updated with Americanized language and spelling and a new preface by the author. Stemming from Packer's profound theological knowledge, Knowing God brings together two important facets of the Christian faith knowing about God and also knowing God through the context of a close relationship with the person of Jesus Christ. Written in an engaging and practical tone, this thought-provoking work seeks to transform and enrich the Christian understanding of God. Explaining both who God is and how we can relate to him, Packer divides his book into three sections: The first directs our attention to how and why we know God, the second to the attributes of God and the third to the benefits enjoyed by a those who know him intimately. This guide leads readers into a greater understanding of God while providing advice to gaining a closer relationship with him as a result.

Author Bio

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J. I. Packer is regarded as one of the most influential evangelicals in North America. He is Board of Governors' Professor of Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia, and his writings include books such as , , (Crossway) and . He has preached and lectured widely in Great Britain and North America and served as general editor of the English Standard Version of the Bible published in 2001, and theological editor of the Study Bible version. In 2014, Packer was named Author of the Year by the Association of Logos Bookstores. He is a frequent contributor to and an executive editor of and has written numerous articles published in journals such as and He received a BA, MA and PhD from Oxford University.

Editorial Reviews

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"Week by week and day by day, Packer gives advice that is sure to motivate and inspire readers to reach for more in their quest to unite with God. A fine read for any devoted Christian."
"This is a book that urges us to know about God and then to know God in Jesus Christ. It is a book that serves up real meata thought-provoking call to apply ourselves to knowing who God is and to develop a close relationship with Him."
"Something must be said for the staying power of a book like J. I. Packer's Knowing God. With some of the language and rhetoric updated, the foundational elements of the book are as powerful and strong as ever."
"Packer was magisterial in substance, but adopted the tone of a fellow traveler. He convinced us that the study of God 'is the most practical project anyone can engage in.'"
"If I can't put the Bible on this list, I'll choose a Packer book instead. Every national and world leader must seek to know the nations and world in which they serve. And in order to know this world and its people, we must first know the God who shaped and molded us all. Packer simply and powerfully re-introduces us to God: his attributes, actions, and, most important, his grace."

J. I. Packer's Knowing God is a towering work of understanding God as He has revealed Himself to humanity. In my opinion this should be required reading for all Christians at some point in our lives: it has opened my eyes to aspects of God and His relationship with us that where unknown to me. I have come away with a much richer understanding of what I believe and a better understanding of how to talk about my faith and belief. After reading this book (and pondering and going back to reread...) I have been able to clear away a lot of confusion in my faith which has allowed me to continue growing instead of being stalled on for any number of reason for which I could find no clarification. For example I would particularly recommend the chapter on God's attribute of Love, which helped untie the knots I had gotten into listening to others, reading works that, alas were not grounded well in scripture ("let's cut his out and redefine this...") and hearing sermons from priests and pastors who have decided to get along with the world rather than face the tide of counter current. I feel much more confident being in the world without succumbing to the world. As a point of reference, I have given copies of this away, just randomly, as someone has shown and interest, and now have repurchased this book maybe 4 times. That's not only how good I think it is, but shows how interested others are when they see and hear about it.

This profoundly written work answers questions about God and Christ Jesus that are fundamental to those who have spent some time inspecting thier faith for weak spots. Furthermore, Packer does not take the easy road only applying the scriptures that support his perspective as he includes inconsistent biblical perspectives and forms solid and logical conclusions. This book is a must read for those looking to solidify their faith by knowing why they believe, building foundational knowlege they can share with others.